The Union Rye

British·
££££
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Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
British
Ambience
Cosy, Quiet conversation, Traditional
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch
Special Features
Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Dates
Food Hygiene Rating

About

The Union is a cosy modern British restaurant in Rye with a rather interesting history - the building was originally built in 1401, before being christened The Union Inn in the early 1700s to commemorate the union between England and Scotland.

Today, the dining room here is a relaxed and rustic space, featuring exposed brick, open fireplaces and calming blue walls. The menu at The Union is a standard a la carte which is underpinned by British produce and evolves with the seasons depending on what produce is available locally.

The menu changes daily, but to give an idea, starters and nibbles at the time of writing include homemade pickles, smoked nuts and Colchester Rock oysters, available individually or by the half dozen. The rest of the menu is delivered as a series of sharing plates, featuring the best of local, seasonal produce. Dishes include ham knuckle croquettes with aioli, mackerel with chilli, chocolate and crispy cavolo nero, and seared scallops with crumpet, dulse seaweed and 'nduja butter. The Union does some cracking sharing dishes too, like a Megrim sole with brown crab butter, and a Winchelsea chateaubriand with bearnaise sauce. 

To pad out your dinner, add on your choice of side dishes such as crispy layered potatoes, sourdough from nearby Lazy Bakery, and cavolo nero with yoghurt and caraway.

The Union puts equal effort into puddings too, with desserts including a Baked Alaska with pear and coffee ice cream, and buttermilk pudding with rhubarb and ginger sponge. Or, turn your attention to the drinks list and enjoy liquid afters courtesy of the restaurant’s globally inspired wine list.


FAQs

Is The Union child-friendly?

No, there is no dedicated children's menu.

Helpful? 0

Does The Union offer vegetarian options?

Yes, there are a few vegetarian options on the menu.

Helpful? 0

The Union Rye is featured in

Location

8 East Street, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7JY

01797 229289 01797 229289

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon 12:00-15:00
Tue 12:00-15:00
Wed 12:00-15:00
Thu Closed
Fri 12:00-15:00
Sat 12:00-15:00
Sun 12:00-15:00
Dinner
Mon 17:30-21:30
Tue 17:30-21:30
Wed 17:30-21:30
Thu 17:30-21:30
Fri 17:30-21:30
Sat 17:30-21:30
Sun 17:30-21:30

Reviews

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3 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Kathy H

02 February 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Great and interesting menu

We hadn't been to The Union for many years, and now it has a new chef, who we had read good things about. The menu is intended for sharing, and we shared 2 starters, of pork belly croquettes, and a beetroot, apple, cashew and blue cheese salad, and followed it up with a bavette of steak and a squash, chick pea and wild mushroom dish. The flavours were so interesting and the portions generous. A great atmosphere and lovely staff so we will definitely return.

Kathy H

03 December 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Great and interesting menu

We hadn't been to The Union for many years, and now it has a new chef, who we had read good things about. The menu is intended for sharing, and we shared 2 starters, of pork belly croquettes, and a beetroot, apple, cashew and blue cheese salad, and followed it up with a bavette of steak and a squash, chick pea and wild mushroom dish. The flavours were so interesting and the portions generous. A great atmosphere and lovely staff so we will definitely return.

Darren G

11 November 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
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